7 Quick Wins for Supporting Demand-Avoidant Learners in the Classroom

Some days it can feel impossible to get a child started even on the simplest of tasks. You spot the resistance and wonder whether they’re refusing on purpose, negotiating for control, or simply avoiding everything you ask. What’s really going on, and how can we respond without increasing pressure?

In this short sessin we explore 7 quick wins that reduce demand overload and unlock engagement without adding to your workload.

You’ll explore strategies such as:

• Reframing ‘defiance’ as demand overload – why traditional consequences backfire and what to do instead

• Scrapping written recording first – practical ways to assess learning without piling on demands

• “I’m just going to…” declarations – how subtle changes in language reduce resistance and protect autonomy

Perfect for teachers, TAs, SENCOs and school leaders supporting children who seem to resist even straightforward requests, particularly those with a demand-avoidant profile.

You can register for upcoming free webinars with Pooky here.